About this tour
Explore the Louvre's transformation from medieval fortress to world-class museum on this small-group private tour lasting two hours and forty-five minutes. Your guide traces the building's evolution through its 12th-century foundations, royal chambers, and imperial apartments, while revealing lesser-known spaces like the original dungeon. You'll encounter masterworks including the Mona Lisa and Venus of Milo, plus Italian paintings and the French crown jewels displayed in the Apollo gallery. Groups of 2–6 people receive personalised commentary on architecture and artistic significance.
Highlights
- 12th-century fortress foundations beneath modern museum
- Hidden dungeon and royal apartments tour
- Mona Lisa, Venus of Milo, Winged Victory viewing
- French crown jewels in the Apollo gallery
- Imperial apartments and 16th-century chambers
- Small private group (2–6 people)
What to expect
Your guide meets you outside the museum and begins with an overview of the building's architectural journey from palace to institution. Once inside, you'll descend to discover the original fortress structure and navigate through spaces few casual visitors find—including the dungeon. The tour then moves through royal residences and period rooms before reaching the gallery's showstopper paintings and the Apollo gallery's jewel collection. You'll finish in the opulent imperial apartments. Expect a mix of history lessons and art commentary suited to a small, attentive group.
Good to know
Book at least five days ahead to guarantee tickets. Entrance is included for adults; under-18s and EEA residents under 26 get free entry with valid ID and proof of residency. Fully wheelchair accessible throughout. Prams and strollers permitted. Public transport nearby.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.